Modern American Cuisine
Classic Meatloaf with Sweet Tomato BBQ Glaze
This modern iteration of a traditional American meatloaf balances a moist, savory core with an intensely flavorful tangy-sweet glaze. The combined beef and pork base turns out incredibly juicy, enhanced by caramelized onions and a subtle touch of garlic. The standout feature is the glossy tomato-barbecue lacquer brushed over the loaf, which caramelizes into a smoky, savory crust in the oven. It is a comforting, deeply satisfying centerpiece that slices beautifully and pairs with any classic comfort side.
Dishday
Recipe overview
- Total time
- 70 min
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cooking
- 50 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Cuisine
- Modern American Cuisine
Nutrition
per serving
- Calories
- 480 kcal
- Protein
- 32 g
- Fat
- 28 g
- Carbs
- 22 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Step by step
Method
- 01
Finely chop the onion
Finely chop the onion. Heat a skillet with vegetable oil over medium heat and sauté the onion for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent to add a delicate sweetness to the meat.
- 02
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk, stir well,…
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk, stir well, and let sit for a couple of minutes until completely absorbed to create a panade that locks in the juices.
- 03
In a large mixing bowl, combine the beef and pork mince, saut…
In a large mixing bowl, combine the beef and pork mince, sautéed onion, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, dried garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands until just combined.
- 04
Preheat the oven to 180°C
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan or shape it into a tight, neat loaf directly on a parchment-lined baking sheet, pressing firmly to eliminate air pockets.
- 05
In a separate small dish, prepare the signature glaze by mixi…
In a separate small dish, prepare the signature glaze by mixing the barbecue sauce and tomato paste until glossy and uniform.
- 06
Brush the top and sides of the meatloaf with half of the prep…
Brush the top and sides of the meatloaf with half of the prepared glaze using a pastry brush. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes.
- 07
Carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven, spread the remai…
Carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven, spread the remaining glaze evenly over the top, and return to bake for another 10 minutes until the glaze bubbles and deepens in color.
Dishday
Useful advice
Cooking tip
You can shape the meatloaf in the pan a day in advance, wrap it tightly in plastic, and store it in the fridge; just glaze and bake before dinner.
How to serve
Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes out of the oven to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring clean slices. Serve with mashed potatoes.
How to store
Keep leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Cold slices are spectacular for breakfast sandwiches.
Note
For a richer smoky element, opt for a barbecue sauce styled with hickory or mesquite woodsmoke notes.
